toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Healthy Habits to Prevent Osteoporosis

Top of the page

Healthy Habits to Prevent Osteoporosis

Overview

Here are some things you can do to build and strengthen your bones:

  • Get enough calcium and vitamin D.
    • Eat foods rich in calcium, like yogurt, cheese, milk, and dark green vegetables.
    • Eat foods rich in vitamin D, like eggs, fatty fish, cereal, and fortified milk.
    • Get some sunshine. Your body uses sunshine to make its own vitamin D.
    • Talk to your doctor about taking a calcium plus vitamin D supplement if you don't think you are getting enough through your diet and sunshine.
  • Get regular bone-building exercise. Walking, jogging, dancing, and lifting weights can make your bones stronger.
  • Limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women.
  • Don't smoke. Smoking can make bones thin faster. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.

Credits

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more, visit Healthwise.org

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Your Partner in Health.

People are at the heart of great health care. That's why we are committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care tailored to the communities we serve. 


Together with our community partners and patients, we're building a stronger, healthier future for all Idahoans.

Connect with Us
Contact Us In Boise (208) 381-2222